Xavier McDaniel: The X-Man's Brief but Intense Stint with the Knicks

Xavier McDaniel, known for his ferocious intensity and powerful play, earned the moniker "X-Man" for his explosive style on the court.¹ While he's often remembered for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, McDaniel also had a brief but memorable stint with the New York Knicks.²

Arrival in the Big Apple:

After establishing himself as a force in Seattle, McDaniel was traded to the Phoenix Suns and then landed with the Knicks in 1991. He joined a team coached by Pat Riley and featuring Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, and John Starks, a squad known for its physicality and defensive tenacity.³

A Perfect Fit:

McDaniel's aggressive style of play meshed perfectly with Riley's coaching philosophy and the Knicks' hard-nosed identity.⁴ He formed a formidable frontcourt with Oakley and Ewing, adding another layer of toughness and scoring punch. McDaniel relished the physical battles in the paint and wasn't afraid to mix it up with opponents, often getting under their skin with his intense demeanor.⁵

Playoff Battles:

McDaniel's most memorable moment as a Knick came during the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the eventual champion Chicago Bulls. He engaged in a fierce battle with Scottie Pippen, pushing the Bulls star to his limits in a grueling seven-game series.⁶ Despite the Knicks' loss, McDaniel's performance solidified his reputation as a fearless competitor.

A Short Stay:

Despite his impactful contributions, McDaniel's time in New York was short-lived. He played just one season with the Knicks before signing with the Boston Celtics in the 1992 offseason. Contract disputes and the emergence of younger players contributed to his departure.

Legacy in New York:

While his tenure was brief, McDaniel left a lasting impression on Knicks fans. He embodied the team's tough, physical style of play and provided a spark with his scoring and rebounding. His battles with Pippen and other rivals are still remembered by Knicks faithful, a testament to his intensity and competitive fire.

Beyond New York:

McDaniel continued his NBA career with the Celtics and later played for the New Jersey Nets.⁷ Though he never achieved the same level of success he had in Seattle, he remained a respected and feared competitor throughout his career.

Xavier McDaniel's time with the New York Knicks may have been short, but it was certainly impactful. He brought his trademark intensity and physicality to a team that embraced those qualities, leaving a lasting impression on the franchise and its fans.